metadata

noun

meta·da·ta ˌme-tə-ˈdā-tə

-ˈda-,

also -ˈdä-

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: data that provides information about other data

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How Metadata Was Formed

It's easy to find data on the source of "metadata": the word was formed by combining "data" with "meta-," which means "transcending" and is often used to describe a new but related discipline designed to deal critically with the original one. "Meta-" was first used in that way in "metaphysics" and has been extended to a number of other disciplines, giving us such words as "metapsychology" and "metamathematics." "Metadata" takes the "transcending" aspect a step further, applying it to the concept of pure information instead of a discipline. "Metadata" is a fairly new word (it appeared in the latter half of the 20th century), whereas "data" can be traced back to the middle of the 17th century.

Examples of metadata in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The metadata issue was first raised by online sleuths. —

Jack Dunn, Variety, 1 Feb. 2025 Digital forensic experts use call log metadata to build cases, identify patterns and uncover hidden relationships. —

Lars Daniel, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 This is stored alongside details such as where the photograph was taken, the time, as well as metadata such as the make and model of the vehicle. —

Matt Burgess, WIRED, 7 Jan. 2025 The tamper-evident metadata can be attached to digital content to show information like who made it and how it was created — including whether AI played a role. —

Vox Creative, Vox, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for metadata